First off, I would like to personally send out my condolences to Eklund on the passing of his good friend, Burt the dog.

We're all thinking about you, Ek...thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Now to NHL talk...

A minor move was made today between the Hurricanes and Bruins. The Hurricanes acquired defenseman Aaron Ward from the Bruins in exchange for forward Patrick Eaves and a fourth round draft pick in 2010.

In a corresponding move, however, the Bruins then places Eaves on waivers, with the purpose of buying him out.

If Eaves is unclaimed, Boston can buy him out for one-third of his remaining salary, which is $258,333 per season for the next three years, because he is under 26 years old.

Ward played in 65 games with the Bruins last season, notching three goals and seven assists along with 44 penalty minutes.

With this move, it looks as if the Bruins will re-sign forward Phil Kessel as well.